What is the Right Thing To Do When Fighting Disaster, Prejudice and War?

This entry is a reflection of the author’s thoughts and beliefs and not necessarily that of the PI.

As 2000 Marines prepare to deploy to Haiti to assist with disaster relief, even more troops prepare for Afghanistan and government offices remain closed today in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King JR., it is apparent that wars and disasters have no prejudice – nor do the effects or aftermath.

Recent headlines captured the images of Haiti – the effects of the 7.0 earthquake didn’t strategically pick its targets or victims. The rich and poor are affected equally – there is little water, very little food and some say there could be some 100,000 dead.

And while some over the weekend stated that taxpayers already carried enough of the burden for Haiti or that it was ordained because of a deal with the devil, the bottom line is this natural disaster was non-discriminate – and the impact reaches within our American borders. So, what is the right thing we should do as Americans?

Dr. Martin Luther King JR, born January 15, 1929 as “Michael King JR” until the family traveled to Europe and his dad decided he’d change both his name and JRs name in honor of the Protestant leader Martin Luther, later became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize recipient for his work in civil rights. Dr. King fought against a “system of prejudice” and as a result was met by an assasins bullet in 1968. This after most of his attention was focused not so much on civil rights but on opposing the Vietnam War and ending poverty.
The impact of his death continues to live on today. Can we ever move on or should we?

Today, we have a black president. It seems we have come a long ways from the days of Dr. King – some good, some bad. He is faced with both war and disaster.

In 1983, America recognized that year as “the Year of the Bible.” Today, a simple prayer in a high school becomes a national debate. Is it because we fear offending? Has our move away from what some would say is the core of the country the reason we face more war and more disaster?

The wives of our soldiers who’s husbands deploy experience higher rates of depression – which impacts their children and will have generational impact on the strength of this country. What is the right thing for us to do as Americans?

We still fight wars, we still have poverty and some say we still fight prejudice; perhaps. And my guess is these are fights that will continue until man no longer roams the earth.

One thing is certain, the impact and effects of wars and disasters has lasting effects on many – its impact is more than a sound bite. The question is, As Americans, what is the right thing to do?